The Brahmans answer: "why, know you not the customs of the country? If
the god of wealth owned lands here that yielded but a grain of corn, the
king would send him in three days to beg alms, clad in tatters and with
a platter in his hand. The characteristics of our sovereign are fondness
for the intoxicating juice of _bhang_, esteem for the wicked, addiction
to vice, and detestation of virtue."
Satyacharya observes: "You are right, what chance is there for the good?
The king is unwise, his associates are wicked, his chief councillor is a
knave, and his minister, a scoundrel. Yet the people are many; why is
not such misconduct resented?"
The Brahmans reply, "The manners of the people are equally depraved;
they are valiant in oppression, skilful in falsehood, and persevering
only in contempt for the pious."